Template Issues

How to Create a Custom Word Header and Footer Template on Mac

Muhammad Talha Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to set up and save a custom, basic header and footer design as a reusable template in Word for Mac, avoiding the cluttered built-in designs.

How to Create a Custom Word Header and Footer Template on Mac

Product: Word for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Creating a reusable document layout with preferred headers and footers for streamlined workflow.
Observed behavior: Word for Mac does not allow users to remove or favorite built-in header and footer designs, forcing users to recreate basic layouts manually or seek a template workaround.

Before you start

Ensure you have Microsoft Word installed on your Mac and have a clear idea of the text, logos, or page numbering style you want included in your custom header and footer.

Solution 1Recommended

Create and Save a Custom Header and Footer Template

Since you cannot remove built-in designs in Word for Mac, creating a personalized template is the most efficient way to reuse your preferred basic header and footer layout across multiple documents.

This method involves designing a blank document exactly the way you want it and saving it as a standard template file. Every time you open this template, it will generate a new document with your pre-configured headers and footers intact.

Open a blank document

Launch Word for Mac and create a new blank document to serve as your foundation.

Access the Header and Footer

Double-click the top margin of the document, or navigate to the Insert menu, click Header, and select Edit Header.

Design your layout

Enter your preferred text, formatting, or insert page numbers in the header area. To add or modify the footer, go to the Header & Footer ribbon tab and click Go to Footer.

Save as a custom template

Once your layout is finalized, close the Header and Footer view. Go to File > Save as Template. Give your template a recognizable name and save it. You can now select this template from the gallery whenever you create a new document.

Create and Save a Custom Header and Footer Template

Template Saved Successfully: By saving your document as a template (.dotx), you can bypass the cluttered default header gallery entirely and start working immediately.

WPS Office Solution

Create Custom Document Templates with WPS Writer

WPS Office provides a streamlined, lightweight word processor where you can easily customize and save document templates with basic headers and footers without dealing with overly cluttered default galleries.

1. Create a new document: Open WPS Writer on your Mac or PC and start a new blank document.
2. Insert header and footer: Navigate to the Insert tab, select Header and Footer, and set up your preferred basic layout.
3. Save as template: Click Menu > Save As, choose WPS Writer Template (*.wpt) or Word Template (*.dotx), and save the file.

Easily design custom headers, footers, and page numbers.Save custom layouts as .wpt or .dotx templates for quick reuse.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx, .doc).Free, lightweight, and fast to load on both Mac and Windows.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove built-in header designs in Word for Mac?

Word for Mac does not natively support removing or deleting the built-in header and footer designs from the default gallery. The best workaround is to create a custom template with your preferred basic layout and use it for new documents.

Where are custom Word templates saved on a Mac?

By default, custom Word templates on a Mac are saved in the user's Library folder, typically under ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates. You can access them easily by clicking File > New from Template.

Can I set a different header for the first page of my template?

Yes. When editing the header in your document, go to the Header & Footer ribbon tab and check the 'Different First Page' box. This allows you to set a unique header for the title page while keeping a standard header for subsequent pages.

How do I access my custom saved templates in Word for Mac?

When opening Word, go to File > New from Template. Look for the 'Personal' or 'Templates' tab within the document gallery to find and open your newly created custom layouts.

Document & File Issues